Prĕs'/by-ter, n.

n. [Lat. presbyter, an elder, from Gr. πρεσβύτερος, compar. of πρέσβυς, old; Sp. presbytero and preste, O. Fr. presbtre, prestre, N. Fr. prêtre, Pr. prestre, It. preste. Cf. PRIEST.]

1. (Anc. Church.) An elder having authority to instruct and guide in the church.
2. (Church of Eng.) One ordained to the second order in the ministry; — called also priest.

I rather term the one sort presbyter than “priest.” Hooker. New presbyter is but “old priest” writ large. Milton. 3. A Presbyterian. [Obs.] Butler.